One Last Howler Con left bittersweet howls and an everlasting memory for fans of the hit MTV series, Teen Wolf and cast members. Once a year fans from across the world gather in Newark, New Jersey to celebrate and reunite with friends. There is something special about this con and Howler will forever hold a place in our hearts. Here is my emotional experience from One Last Howler. (photo credit: Howler Con)

Howler Con is a fan ran event which sets this convention apart from others. Sprouting from an idea, Howler Con became a reality 4 years ago thanks to Amy, Betsy and their amazing crew! One can sense the feeling of family as there are endless amounts of hugs from both con goers and cast mates. I have never witnessed a cast assemble so comfortable and respected by fans.

I witnessed the compassion for fans throughout the con by the various guests: Shelley Hennig (Malia Tate), Holland Roden (Lydia Martin), Melissa Ponzio (Melissa McCall), JR Bourne (Chris Argent), Tyler Hoechlin (Derek Hale/CW Superman), Gideon Emery (Deucalion), Susan Walters (Natalie Martin), Linden Ashby (Noah Stilinski), Crystal Reed (Allison Argent), Ryan Kelly (Jordan Parrish) and Ian Bohen (Peter Hale). Melissa Ponzio crashed the welcome party and individually hugged each and every fan that was there. Just like her character on the show, she is the fandom pack mom and always looks out for the fans.

I got to share a special moment with Melissa during a photo op where we joked around with another and gave multiple hugs. As we parted ways she said, “It’s an honor to be cosplayed by you.” In which my response was simply, “It’s a honor to portray this strong female character with you.”

There was a touching moment that I witnessed during the last panel with the cast assemble. Time had run out for fan questions and, while the cast was answering the final question, a fan was devastated that their chance had slipped by them. However, Tyler Hoechlin spotted the fan and called up Betsy to allow one more question. To which the fan was overcome with emotion and shared a very personal part of their life with all in attendance. The room was filled with nothing but love and support which has always been the underlined theme of Howler Con.

I am going to quote a friend (Lisa’s) fantastic description of the show Teen Wolf and the bond that is shared at Howler Con. “The show is about those that don’t fit into a norm and feel like an outsider. Howler Con brings together those that feel this way and it’s a safe place.” I could not agree more. There are so many friends that I have made throughout my 3 years of attendance. Each of us are individually different, but are brought together over our love of Teen Wolf. I now have a pack of friends from all over the world, and that’s something special.

I am going to miss hotel room late night talks, board games, ranting and laughter. I am going to miss the endless Teen Wolf cosplay and acceptance. I am going to miss the bond we all shared as One Last Howler was an emotional time for most. As the theme song of Howler says, “don’t stop believin’, hold onto the feelin’ ” (Journey-Don’t Stop Believin). Howler Con will live on in our hearts, and, even though this may seem like the end, this chapter can always be re-opened and revisited as a wolf pack is always a pack.